Source: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam
1. Scammers PRETEND to be from a well-known .
Scammers frequently claim to be speaking with you on behalf of the government. They may use a legitimate name, such as the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or Medicare, or they could make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a well-known , such as a utility , a tech firm, or even a charity soliciting money.
They modify the phone number that shows on your caller ID using technology. As a result, the name and phone number you see may not be genuine.
2. Scammers claim that there is a PROBLEM or a PRIZE to be won.
It’s possible that they’ll declare you’re in problems with the government. Alternatively, you may owing money. Or perhaps a member of your family suffered a medical emergency. Or that your machine is infected with a virus.
Some con artists claim that one of your accounts has an issue and that you must verify some information.
Others will claim you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes, but you must pay a fee to receive it.
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to take action right away.
Scammers want you to act before you have a chance to consider your options. They may tell you not to hang up if you’re on the phone, preventing you from checking out their story.
They may threaten to arrest you, file a lawsuit against you, revoke your driver’s or business license, or deport you. Your computer may be about to be corrupted, they may claim.
4. Scammers instruct you to make a specific payment.
They frequently demand that you pay using a money transfer service or by placing money on a gift card and then providing them the number on the back.
Some will send you a check (which will eventually be discovered to be forged), instruct you to deposit it, and then ask you to wire them money.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from a Scam
Unwanted phone calls and texts should be blocked.
Don’t provide personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Legitimate businesses will not contact you through phone, email, or text to ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number.
Even if you receive an email or text message from a with which you do business and believe it is legitimate, you should avoid clicking any links. Instead, use a website you know is reliable to contact them. Alternatively, look for their phone number. Do not call the number they provided you with or the number that appears on your caller ID.
Resist the need to act right away. Legitimate companies will give you time to consider your options. Anyone who tries to persuade you to pay money or provide personal information is a con artist.
Be aware of how con artists instruct you to pay. Never pay someone who insists on a gift card or a money transfer service as a method of payment. Also, never deposit a check and then transfer money back to the person who wrote it.
Stop what you’re doing and talk to someone you can trust. Tell someone – a friend, a family member, or a neighbor — what happened before you do anything else. It’s possible that talking about it will help you recognize it’s a ruse.
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